Delta Air Lines crew detains passenger who tried to enter the cockpit

Associated Press

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — A Delta Air Lines crew detained a passenger who tried to enter the cockpit in an incident that forced a New York-bound plane to return to Puerto Rico on Wednesday, authorities said.

Puerto Rico police said that 30-year-old Carlos Ramírez Rodríguez became aggressive and tried to enter the cockpit.

Police said he yelled, “I am God. Tomorrow San Juan is going to disappear. I came to save the world, and I’m going to end terrorism.”

It is unclear whether Ramírez has an attorney. Police initially said the pilot had arrested him.

Authorities said the FBI is investigating the incident aboard Flight 579.

FBI spokeswoman Limary Cruz-Rubio said she did not immediately have further details.

Delta said the Boeing 737-900ER aircraft with more than 160 passengers and six crew members continued to New York and was expected to arrive two hours late.

“Delta applauds the quick action and professionalism of the crew,” the airline said in a statement, noting that some passengers also helped restrained the man.